We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Wellness

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is the Relationship Between Yoga and Meditation?

Laura M. Sands
By
Updated: Mar 03, 2024
Views: 10,195
Share

Yoga and meditation share a very close relationship. As an Eastern exercise, yoga stems from the meditational practices of Buddhist, Jain and Hindu practitioners. Today, people all over the world use yoga as a form of holistic exercise. Those who continue to combine yoga and meditation, however, cite that it is an effective stress reliever that builds strength and stability, as well as mental clarity and discipline.

As early as 3000 B.C., yoga was practiced by spiritualists as a way attaining physical and spiritual strength and health. It derives its name from the Sanskrit word "yuga," which means to unite or join. Some individuals who practice yoga as a spiritual exercise combine yoga and meditation in an effort to join the individual soul to the universe.

There are several different forms of yoga that can be used as a meditative practice. Hatha yoga is the most common form practiced in the West. As such, it is a very basic practice that integrates physical poses with specific breathing methods. Some practice this form simply for a yoga workout, while others participate in hatha yoga as a part of their spiritual practice.

Yoga and meditation both employ breathwork, which refers to a strict mental focus on the breath and how it relates to the body. During breathwork, a person attempts to control her breathing or create a conscious breathing pattern. A rigorous yoga workout involves concentrated breathwork in tandem with unique poses, which require a strict level of focus on the body and the mind. When combined in this way, yoga and meditation can become a spiritual discipline.

Those who practice yoga and meditation together do so to increase their mental focus, to quiet and even master the mind, as well as the body. In part, the goal of such is to overcome distractions and to endure physical positions that can be physically and mentally uncomfortable, but that are believed to be good for both the body and the mind. Doing so can be a stress reliever, as well as a way to increase mental clarity and strength.

When used as more than a physical exercise, yoga is believed to consist of multiple functions. These functions include discipline, observance, physical exercise, breath control, sensory control, mental concentration, meditation and achievement of an enlightened state of consciousness. Yoga and meditation, are therefore, inextricably bound when viewed in this way.

A common misconception about yoga and meditation is that these practices are a religion unto themselves, which they are not. Yoga, as well as meditation, is often a part of a person’s religious life, but neither yoga nor meditation stand alone as a religion. Individuals who practice yoga along with meditation represent a diverse group of people from multiple religious backgrounds, with some having no ties with religion whatsoever.

Share
The Health Board is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Laura M. Sands
By Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing to her work. With a background in social sciences and extensive online work experience, she crafts compelling copy and content across various platforms. Her ability to understand and connect with target audiences makes her a skilled contributor to any content creation team.

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By serenesurface — On Apr 12, 2014

@ZipLine-- I think it's a Western trend to think of yoga as purely a form of exercise. In Asia, I think that yoga is thought of as a religious practice and as something that strengthens faith and willpower. Yoga undoubtedly has benefits for the body, but its benefits for the mind and soul cannot be ignored. You have touched on it as well, you said that yoga fights stress. That's because yoga leads to balance, focus and peace.

Mediation is a par of yoga but not everyone who does yoga meditates. There are actually many different types of yoga out there and meditation is more important in some than others.

By ZipLine — On Apr 11, 2014

I've never thought of yoga as a meditation. For me it's just a workout. I love doing yoga. The different poses stretch and strengthen different parts of my body and I feel healthier and happier afterward. It's a great way to fight stress as well.

By turquoise — On Apr 11, 2014

Just as meditation, yoga is also very much a spiritual practice. Yoga is a means to unite with God and the same could be said about meditation since meditation is about developing awareness about what is beyond the sense perception.

And as the article said, yoga and meditation are frequently practiced together. Meditation is either incorporated into yoga or is done separately after yoga practice. For example, breathing exercises and om chanting after a yoga session is meditation.

The two arts really cannot be separated from one another.

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands
Laura Sands, the founder of a publishing company, brings her passion for writing and her expertise in digital publishing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.thehealthboard.com/what-is-the-relationship-between-yoga-and-meditation.htm
Copy this link
The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

The Health Board, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.